Stampede at Pushpa 2 Premiere: What Happened?
A tragic stampede occurred on December 4, 2024, during the premiere of Pushpa 2 at Hyderabad’s Sandhya Theatre. The incident resulted in the death of a woman named Revathi and left her 13-year-old son, Shreethej, critically injured. The massive crowd had gathered to catch a glimpse of actor Allu Arjun, whose arrival and actions allegedly triggered the chaos.
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Police Blames Organisers and Actor’s Gesture
In an official statement, Telangana Police stated that the crowd was under control until Allu Arjun arrived at the venue. The police claimed that the actor’s decision to wave to the crowd from his vehicle’s sunroof drew large numbers of people towards the theatre’s main gate. Simultaneously, his private security team reportedly pushed people aside to clear a path for his vehicle, exacerbating the situation.
The police clarified that they had informed the actor’s team about the growing crowd and suggested he leave promptly, but their advice was ignored. Allu Arjun stayed inside the theatre for over two hours, further intensifying the crowd’s excitement.
Allegations of Insufficient Police Arrangements
Critics accused the police of failing to provide adequate security for the high-profile event. However, Telangana Police defended their actions, stating:
- The organisers did not follow proper procedures to arrange security.
- Typically, organisers visit the police station or meet senior officers to discuss arrangements for such large-scale events. In this case, they only submitted a formal letter without providing detailed information.
- Despite limited details, the police deployed a team to manage the crowd outside the theatre.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Central Zone, Hyderabad City, said, “It is beyond our resources to provide arrangements for every event without proper coordination. The organisers failed to communicate essential details.”
Police Refute Misconduct Allegations
The arrest of Allu Arjun sparked controversy, with some alleging that the police mistreated the actor. However, the police dismissed these claims. According to their statement:
- Officers waited patiently at the actor’s residence while he changed clothes before taking him into custody.
- Allu Arjun was given sufficient time to interact with his family before entering the police vehicle.
The DCP added, “The allegations of police misconduct during his arrest are baseless.”
Organisers’ Lapse Highlighted
The police criticised the event organisers for their lack of coordination, which they said contributed to the incident. Typically, organisers are expected to meet with senior officers to brief them on anticipated crowd sizes and event specifics. This standard protocol was reportedly ignored.
Stampede’s Impact and Public Safety Concerns
The stampede has raised serious concerns about public safety at large-scale events. The incident has underscored the need for better planning and coordination between organisers, celebrities, and law enforcement to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Conclusion
The Pushpa 2 stampede incident has left a lasting impact, with questions being raised about both event management and crowd control measures. While the police have defended their actions, the tragedy highlights the importance of proactive planning and responsible conduct by all parties involved in high-profile public events.